The Treutlen House at New Ebenezer, a nonprofit, community-based, ecumenical ministry for children and families, has announced a $5,000 gift from Kinder Morgan, Inc. to purchase mattresses and furniture.

The Exchange Club of Effingham County heard Ed Pace, CPA from Pace & Company in Rincon, explain recent changes to the new tax law (Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes). He also shared important information to prevent identify theft, which result in fraudulent tax returns.

Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie discussed current law enforcement activities in Effingham County with members of the Effingham Sunrise Rotary Club. He discussed updates concerning gun ownership laws, the most common traffic violations and causes of fatal traffic accidents in the county, and the new safety system in place to assist his office with maintaining contact with citizens at risk, particularly the elderly.

Effingham County Farm Bureau members were welcomed to historic Lebanon Plantation on Nov. 13 by business partners Howard Morrison and Ross Harding, who are growing organic ginger and turmeric on the Chatham County plantation. Morrison and Harding use the spices to make a line of gourmet food and wellness products they sell under their Verdant Kitchen brand.

The Gingy Project, a community service venture founded to honor the memory of Raheem Morris, presented a check Dec. 20 for $700.32 to Reggie Loper, chairperson of Effingham Exchange Club Empty Stocking Fund of Effingham County.

Roger Coursey, representing The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, presented a certificate of commendation to Effingham Health System. Michael Murphy received the commendation on behalf of EHS in recognition of patriotism in the display of the U.S. flag.

Girl Scout Troop 30197 helped an effort to spread an abundance of smiles to those in nursing homes, those in hospitals, military personnel stationed overseas and anyone else who needs a smile. Teach Right hosted Troop 30197 and other children who dropped in on Dec. 12 to "Color-A-Smile" to share with others.

Effingham County real estate agents joined forces to collect and distribute Christmas presents and food to nine families through Family Promise and Effingham Victim Witness. Real estate professionals from all eight firms in Effingham took part in the drive.